Wested Indy Jacket - Experienced Advice Please

[Custom79]

Howdy.

Now that I have my order in for my Fieldmaster, I am beginning to look at a new leather jacket.
It is a happy coincidence that I have a number of nice black leather ones, but nothing in brown.

I would like to hear from those of you who have had experience in purchasing an Indy from Wested Leather.

I am usually quite happy with a 48 tall off-the-rack and I am looking for a comfortable, long-wearing jacket that I can wear out with a pair of jeans and boots.

I am very interested to know what people chose for leather and why, and I would be very happy to have someone explain to me what novapelle is.

Please feel free to let me know what to look for and what I can cheerfully do without in terms of options or special requests.

Thanks in advance for your help.

C79

[WinstonWolf359]

I bought my Wested back in 2006, and I've really enjoyed the jacket so far. It's probably my favorite piece of gear.

I ordered mine in dark brown lambskin. I was looking for a fairly lightweight leather since it's warmer more often around my neck of the woods and I wanted something that would be at least a two-season jacket. The lambskin is VERY soft and buttery, and very comfortable. I've been pretty rough with my jacket, and I'd say it's also pretty tough, too. I haven't had one single problem with my jacket in the time that I've had it.

Mine was a custom order since I wanted to specify sleeve length and body length. I'm tall, but most "tall" sleeves eat my hands completely, so mine is probably something like regular sleeves on a tall body.

Other than elastic in the action pleats and rectangular sliders on the side straps I didn't make any special fit or cut requests. I just said "here are my measurements, send me a jacket that fits me."

And they accomplished that perfectly.

Here's a pic...




I'm afraid I can't be too much help about the novapelle hide. I think it's either cow or horse, leaning toward cow, but I haven't been keeping up on it that much. Everyone that gets a jacket in that hide seems to love it, though, FWIW...

[gladd96]

Well I don't believe you can order an off-the-rack tall from Wested. Tall sizes are usually only available on a custom basis. I'd recommend going the custom route, as it is the best way to get your fit. If you want to go the off-the-rack route, I would suggest going up one size since you wear a tall jacket... this should give you a better sleeve length. These jackets do fit a bit on the snug side compared to standard US suit jacket sizing so it shouldn't be overly baggy. With leather, I believe it's always better to error on the side of a bit too big and let it draw in.

My personal preference for the type of jacket you are describing would be the novapelle (Wested's vintage cowhide). I like the vintage look and cowhide has more of a western feel to it than goat (i.e. it would look more at home with jeans and cowboy boots). If you are after a dressier look go with the goat as it won't scar (show abrasion marks) as much. Either hide would suit your durability needs.

Good luck in your jacket quest.

[DrT]

Novapelle is simply pre-distressed cow hide. It looks like the leather used in Last Crusade.

[CM]

Howdy.

Now that I have my order in for my Fieldmaster, I am beginning to look at a new leather jacket.
It is a happy coincidence that I have a number of nice black leather ones, but nothing in brown.

I would like to hear from those of you who have had experience in purchasing an Indy from Wested Leather.

I am usually quite happy with a 48 tall off-the-rack and I am looking for a comfortable, long-wearing jacket that I can wear out with a pair of jeans and boots.

I am very interested to know what people chose for leather and why, and I would be very happy to have someone explain to me what novapelle is.

Please feel free to let me know what to look for and what I can cheerfully do without in terms of options or special requests.

Thanks in advance for your help.

C79

All of this is already up here easy to find in recent posts.

[AdaminNYC]

I will say this: it is probably the least you'll ever pay to have a custom-made leather jacket. I've owned a LOT of leather jackets over the years and I have never had a jacket fit as well as my Wested. I was so happy, I even bought one of their Dr Who jackets. Good stuff.

Keep in mind, it's not the warmest jacket you'll own, but it is amazing quality.

My advice: unless you get to Britain often, go to another leather store and see horsehide and lamb in person.